Israel
Hamas returns body of kibbutz civil defence hero killed on October 7
Tal Haimi ‘fought like a lion’ to defend his community from terrorists, while his death meant he never met his infant son
October 21, 2025 09:09
Tal Haimi ‘fought like a lion’ to defend his community from terrorists, while his death meant he never met his infant son
October 21, 2025 09:09Hamas has released the body of another deceased hostage, bringing the total it holds down to 15.
A coffin containing the body of Sergeant Major Tal Haimi was handed over to the IDF via the Red Cross last night.
Tal, 41, was the leader of the Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak civil defence squad and fell in battle defending his community on October 7.
His body was abducted into Gaza, and his death was discovered only two months later. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant major for his heroism.
The IDF confirmed Tal's identification late last night and announced that his body would be released for burial.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said: "Tal loved taking his family on nature trips and camping in the outdoors, was an enthusiastic tools hobbyist, and always knew how to find a solution to any problem that arose.
"On the morning of October 7, he went out to fight against dozens of terrorists in a battle at the gate of Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak.
"Tal and the rest of the quick-response team fought with extraordinary bravery for several hours, and during the battle, Tal fell and was abducted into Gaza."
And Tal’s uncle, Zamir Haimi, told Kan that the return of his nephew’s body stirred up “a great mixture of emotions”.
Paying tribute on social media, he went on: "You fought like a lion with the defense squad, while no one came.
"You’re back home, blue-eyed child. An eternal 41-year-old boy.
"We succeeded in bringing you home. Home to Ela, Nir, Einav, Udi and Lotan, home to all the family that was waiting for you, home to Nir Yitzhak.”
Tal is survived by his wife, Ela, and children Nir, Einav, Udi, and Lotan, the latter of whom was born seven months after his father's death.
Hamas still holds the bodies of 15 hostages. They have been named as Tamir Adar, Sahar Baruch, Itay Chen, Amiram Cooper, Oz Daniel, Meny Godard, Hadar Goldin, Ran Gvili, Asaf Hamami, Joshua Mollel, Omer Neutra, Dror Or, Sudthisak Rinthalak, Lior Rudaeff and Arie Zalmanowicz
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